If you have other questions, or if you would like to donate supplies please
contact Kathi Rowley at the parish
office.
Listed below are answers to questions asked about Tent City and SHARE/WHEEL,
safety & security issues, and sources for information about homelessness in King County:
Questions about Tent City and SHARE/WHEEL
What is Tent City?
Tent City is a temporary encampment of homeless adults that moves every 90
days.
Who sponsors Tent City?
Tent City is sponsored and managed by SHARE/WHEEL. SHARE/WHEEL operates
shelters and two Tent City locations.
How long has SHARE/WHEEL been operating Tent Cities?
For over six years.
How is SHARE/WHEEL funded?
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SHARE/WHEEL receives financial
assistance from government sources as well as private donations. It costs at
least $3,000 per month to operate Tent City 4.
Who runs Tent City 4?
Each TC has an executive committee elected by the residents. All residents
are expected to attend weekly community meetings and to perform at least one
task a day for the community.
Where does Tent City get tents, blankets, food and other necessities?
Many tents, blankets and other supplies, including food and clothing, have
been donated. Churches and other groups or individuals provide many hot meals.
How many people live in TC4?
Currently there are 70 residents, and maximum occupancy is 100.
Who are the people living in TC4?
Homeless adults: single men and women, and couples. Families with children
may be housed overnight in an emergency, but they are referred to other social
service agencies as soon as possible.
How does TC4 handle security?
• Tent City 4 will be in a fenced area, with a single entry/exit point which
is staffed 24/7.
• Potential residents must have, or obtain, photo ID. A Washington State
background check is performed for each applicant in which the applicant is
screened for outstanding warrants, violent crimes and sex offenses, with the
help of the King County Sheriff's Department.
• All residents must agree to abide by a code of conduct, which includes rules
making the area a drug-, alcohol- and weapon-free zone.
What about meals at Tent City 4?
Usually a hot dinner is provided by a church or other charitable
organization. Other food may be donated, but refrigeration facilities are
limited. TC4 includes a kitchen tent with a microwave oven for food preparation,
but there are no electrical burners or open flames allowed.
Does TC4 have toilet and shower facilities?
TC4 has portable toilets which are regularly maintained and emptied. The
Woodinville site has a shower that may be brought to St. John Vianney, if water,
electricity and gray water drainage can be arranged.
What about garbage and laundry?
• TC4's garbage dumpsters are emptied weekly. Residents do litter patrol of
TC4 and surrounding areas.
• Laundry is handled by each resident, usually at a laundromat.
How is transportation for residents handled?
SHARE/WHEEL provides METRO bus passes so TC4 residents can get to work, job
interviews and medical appointments. Three regular bus routes (234, 260 and
935), provide service to Finn Hill, at least every 30 minutes on weekdays, and
every 20 minutes during rush hours. Bus schedules and information are available
from King Country Metro in printed form and at their Web site:
http://transit.metrokc.gov
What percentage of Tent City residents have a job?
At least 70% of the residents are employed, and many of the remainder are in
educational programs, and actively seeking employment. There are a few people
with physical or mental problems that prevent them from getting a job.
Do people leave Tent City 4?
The typical length of stay for residents is about 6 weeks.
Can I come to Tent City 4 to see it firsthand?
Yes, Tent City 4 is open to visitors 24/7. Visits are encouraged and complete
tours can be given during the day and early evening.
How can I help Tent City 4?
Tent City’s current needs include:
• Camping supplies: tents (complete with poles), tarps, rope, duct tape,
sleeping bags, blankets, mats, flashlights, lanterns, AA and D batteries,
• Hygiene supplies: toilet paper, paper towels, wet wipes, rubber gloves.
antibacterial soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene items, slippers, sandals and
flip-flops.
• Medical items such as first aid kits, bandages (all sizes), gauze strips,
antibiotic cream, sore throat medicine and cough medicine.
• Food: coffee, tea, peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna and meat, canned and
packaged soups, butter, margarine, and condiments.
• Large (45-gallon) heavy duty leaf and garden trash bags and garden tools are
also useful.
• And of course, cash donations are most helpful. All donations are
tax-deductible.
Questions regarding safety and security
Has a Tent City ever been located in a residential area or near schools?
Yes, because the host is usually a church, Tent Cities have normally been in
residential neighborhoods. In Bothell, an elementary school was located within a
block of Tent City 4. The Woodinville site is the first that is not in a
residential area. During the entire history of all Tent Cities, not a single
child or other neighbor has been harmed by any Tent City resident, according to
police records.
Are neighborhood schools and children safe from possible intruders?
Schools already have procedures in place to deal with unauthorized persons in
their buildings and on their grounds. For specific information, contact the
schools directly.
Has there been an increase in crime in areas where SHARE/WHEEL's Tent Cities
have been located?
According to the police in Seattle, Shoreline, Tukwila, Bothell, and
Woodinville, there has been no measurable increase in crime in neighborhoods
near any Tent City. On Friday, May 21, 2004, the Seattle Times published the
results of their independent investigation which showed that SHARE/WHEEL's Tent
Cities do not affect crime rates.
What was the police coverage at the previous Tent City 4 locations?
Although the City of Bothell had an officer at TC4 24/7, Woodinville did not.
Woodinville police officers (King County sheriff’s officers under contract) make
unscheduled visits to TC4 several times a day. King County sheriff’s officers
are available any time they are needed.
Here are some sources for more information on homelessness:
(Each link will open in a new window. Close the window to
return to this page)
King County Citizens Advisory
Commission on Homeless Encampments
Washington State Coalition for the
Homeless
Seattle/King County Coalition for the
Homeless
